I started reading this book/epic poem, but haven't gotten far yet due to distractions and maybe a teensy bit of lack of interest... But I do believe that just comes with the fact that it's a reading assignment rather than leisure reading; therefore, I don't read it for leisure.
I am enjoying what I've read so far, but there is one thing that bothers me. Thoreau thinks that to really read a piece of literature, you must read it in its original language. I agree with this completely, not just because Thoreau said it, but because I've thought about it and it would be more efficient to really study a piece of work if you read it in the language it was meant to be read in. However, seeing as I don't know Greek... I'd rather read The Odyssey in English than not read it at all.
Although I've only read about 40 pages, I've picked up on a lot of things I admire already. Especially the links to mythology- I don't know the first thing about mythology, but the translation I'm reading makes it easier to comprehend (another sensible reason to read it in English, I guess). Mythology has always been something I've been interested in, but haven't gotten around to learning because I don't know where to start. And I don't have any room for it in my class schedule next year. Besides mythology, I'm also picking up on Greek culture... which I am loving more and more. First of all, hospitality is a big thing (which Thoreau regards as useless, but I quite enjoy it). Also, I feel a charming sense of deliberation when reading about their culture. They said only what needed to be said, unlike today when people say what they FEEL like saying. There was a sophisticated, formal air about everything... Everyone had business to do... I would love that.
That's all, for now.
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